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Our Mission

At House of Eights, our training programs are rooted in our studio’s mission: to empower dancers through education, community, and artist development. We strive to provide a supportive and inclusive space where people from all walks of life feel celebrated and equipped to grow through dance.

Why Take A Training Program?

Drop-in classes can offer inspiration, fun, and variety, but they don’t always allow for consistent, layered development over time. That’s where our training programs come in.

These programs are designed to help dancers train with intention and build a deeper understanding of movement, musicality, and performance quality. You’ll work consistently with experienced instructors, receive real-time guidance, and dive into technique, textures, and artistry in a structured, supportive setting.

Whether you’re preparing for future opportunities or simply want to invest more seriously in your growth, our training programs give you the space and structure to level up.

About the Program Director

Abady Alzahrani (he/him) is the founder and director of House of Eights Dance Studio, with over a decade of experience in choreography, performance, and dance education. His work spans studio showcases, competitions, theatrical productions, concept videos, live events, sports entertainment, award shows, and TV commercials. He strives to create a safe and supportive space where people from all walks of life feel celebrated and equipped to achieve their goals through dance.

Through this program, Abady draws from his varied experience and network to offer dancers a structured, supportive space to grow, push their boundaries, and refine their voice through intentional training. He also curates a team of experienced, working industry professionals to expose dancers to a range of styles, perspectives, and training approaches.

Upcoming Programs

Summer 2025: Commercial Training Program

Dates: June 15 – July 28, 2025
Applications Open: May 15 – May 30, 2025

We’re launching our first-ever training program this summer: a 6-week experience focused on commercial dance, foundational street styles, and heels (optional). Designed to push dancers beyond choreography-focused classes, this program is for those ready to train with intention.

Led by top instructors from across Atlantic Canada and Toronto, this program includes weekly training, choreography and performance coaching, and ends with a professionally filmed concept video.

What You’ll Work On:

  • Dynamics, textures, and musicality
  • Technique, grooves, and performance presence
  • Developing your personal style
  • Choreo pick-up and retention

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Intermediate Program (14+)
Sundays 5:00–7:00 PM | June 15 – July 27

Advanced Program (14+)
Mondays 8:15–10:15 PM | June 16 – July 28

Heels Stream (18+ | Optional Add-On)
Sunday, June 15 | 2:30–4:30 PM
Sunday, June 22 | 7:15–9:15 PM
Sunday, July 6 | 2:30–4:30 PM

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1–3: Training with rotating instructors
Week 4–5: Choreography for concept video
Week 6: Filming for concept video

*No sessions June 29–30 (long weekend)

TRAINING PROGRAM LEVELS

Intermediate (2–4 yrs experience)
For dancers who understand the basic foundations of commercial dance styles and are comfortable retaining choreography. Ready to explore more intricate movements, dynamics, and grooves.

Advanced (4+ yrs experience)
For dancers with a strong foundation and extensive training, looking to level up their textures, musicality, and dynamics in a fast-paced environment.

Heels Stream (18+ | Open Level)
Open to dancers in either level. Technique-based with drills and progressions for a range of experience.


PRICING & PAYMENT

Core Program: $255 (10 hours + concept video)
Heels | Optional Add-On: $90 (3 x 2-hour workshops)

Payment Options:

  • Pay in full at acceptance
  • Or split into 2 payments: 50% at acceptance, 50% by July 1

Payment Methods:

  • Credit Card on file
  • E-transfer (instructions provided upon acceptance)

*Please note fees are plus HST.


Instructor Line-Up

This summer’s Commercial Training Program features a rotating faculty of talented instructors from Atlantic Canada and Toronto, each bringing a unique perspective and training focus.

Carl Mandac

Week 1 | Commercial

Well-known for his astounding dynamic and innovative movement, Carl is a renowned dance artist based in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

From choreographing award-winning competitive sets, creating artistic and unique projects and showcases, working on sets for commercial campaigns, to dancing in music videos and performing live on stage for prominent Canadian artists, Carl has proved himself as a well-disciplined, hard-working, and versatile professional dancer and choreographer. 

In pursuit of his passion and career, Carl has trained in various dance styles that have inspired and influenced his movement such as Hip-hop, Popping, Locking, House, Jazz Funk, Dancehall and Afro (Azonto, Naija-Konto/Shaku). He has had the privilege to learn and work under prestigious Canadian & International dance mentors &  choreographers such as Scott Forsyth, Joe Tuliao, Leon Blackwood, Shavar Blackwood, Percy Anane-Dwumfour, Kosi Eze, Lady C, Raoul Wilke, Tatiana Parker, Mark Samuels, Lola Beckers, Yemi Osokoya, and Ambrose Tjark.

Through his dedication, Carl has accomplished many opportunities across the country. He is now a core faculty of Studio North Toronto, Canada’s leading dance company owned by world class teachers and choreographers, Scott and Carmen Forsyth. Currently, the co-founder and co-director of 2.0 Dance Company, an award-winning competitive and professional training dance company based in Toronto, ON Canada. 

As a multifaceted dance artist, Carl continues to explore the dance world to inspire his creative endeavor and bring authenticity into his craft. 

Angela Mahoney-Jones

Week 1 & 3 | Heels


Angela’s professional career includes dancing for Jason Derulo, Sting, Katy Perry, and Nick Jonas. She’s the founder of the acclaimed heels company Hot In Heels and the training company Arch Academy. Angela’s success lies in her creative artistry, performance energy, and dedication to building confident, empowered dancers.

Julia Whalley

Week 2 | Commercial & Heels


Fredericton born and raised, Julia Whalley has had passion and drive for dance, choreographing and sharing the art all her life. She set out to Toronto for 5 years to train and perform under a multitude of styles and choreographers. Since moving back to Fredericton she has opened SOLE Collective: a home for the dance and movement community, where she trains adult dancers of all levels in Heels and Commercial dance. She has formed and directs two advanced level training and performance companies, soleBODY and soleACADEMY and has since choreographed and directed two dance showcases titled FROM THE SOLE: a show of the first of a kind in Fredericton. She takes passion in bringing out her dancers’ artistry and ensuring proper technique to leave her dancers feeling their most confident and unstoppable. Her most recent project has been choreographing and performing in Rock of Ages with Rogue Productions. Julia fuses together her decades of training in hip hop, contemporary, jazz, heels and commercial dance and creates soulful, expressive pieces of work meant to grow versatile and passionate dancers.

Derick Robinson

Week 3 | Commercial

Derick “XclusiV” Robinson is a soulful, experienced and unique individual who doesn’t fear exploring creativity and innovation as a dancer, teacher and mentor. His distinct style is anything but ordinary, his ability to think outside the box is what truly makes him an addition to the dance community. He is a seasoned educator with knowledge in Hip Hop,

Commercial and street dance dedicated to helping his students be the absolute best version of themselves both on and off the stage. Excited to continue his journey with dance; Derick is eager, enthusiastic and strives to bring something new and different to this world.

Abady Alzahrani

Week 4-6 | Commercial & Concept Video

Abady is the founder and director of House of Eights Dance Studio, with over a decade of experience in choreography, performance, and dance education. His work spans studio showcases, competitions, theatrical productions, concept videos, live events, sports entertainment, award shows, and TV commercials. He strives to create a safe and supportive space where people from all walks of life feel celebrated and equipped to achieve their goals through dance.

Through this program, Abady draws from his varied experience and network to offer dancers a structured, supportive space to grow, push their boundaries, and refine their voice through intentional training. He also curates a team of experienced, working industry professionals to expose dancers to a range of styles, perspectives, and training approaches.


Applications are now closed.


Thank you to everyone that applied.

All applicants will be notified by June 4.
Accepted dancers must confirm their spot by June 8.


NOTES & POLICIES

  • No refunds once the program begins.
  • Heels Stream is an add-on only (not available as a standalone program).
  • No drop-ins or partial registration.
  • You may still apply if you know in advance you’ll miss a session (e.g. a workshop, rehearsal, or filming day), but no credits or discounts will be provided.
  • If you miss one of the choreography sessions (weeks 4 or 5) and still want to be in the concept video, you may book a private to learn what you missed (at your own cost), or the instructor may exclude you from that section.
  • If you cannot attend the concept video filming day (week 6), you may still attend the choreography sessions, but you will not be included in the final video.
  • If House of Eights cancels a session (e.g. weather or instructor illness), a make-up session will be offered.
  • If a visiting instructor cannot be rescheduled, a $50 refund will be issued.


Stay in the loop

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